• Cheng-Yuh Fann, Fang-Yao Chiu, Tien-Yow Chuang, Chuan-Mu Chen, and Tain-Hsiung Chen.
• Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
• J Trauma. 2004 May 1; 56 (5): 1102-5; discussion 1105-6.

BackgroundThe high rate of non-union makes surgical intervention necessary for a distal clavicle fracture. This report presents the outcome of a simple surgical method using a transacrominal Knowles pin for this unstable fracture.MethodsIn this study, 32 patients with Neer type 2 distal clavicle fractures were treated using a single transacromial Knowles pin without repair of the torn ligament. All 32 patients were studied prospectively and followed up for a mean of 80 months (range, 12-132 months). The clinical outcome was evaluated with the UCLA score, and the fracture union was judged roentgenographically.ResultsAll the patients showed excellent results with solid union. The mean union time was 6.8 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks). No major complication was noted, and only one asymptomatic acromioclavicular arthrosis developed.ConclusionsSingle transacrominal Knowles pin fixation offers a simple and safe method for treating patients with displaced Neer type 2 distal clavicle fractures.

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